READING: Numbers 34:1-36:13
I have heard it said that “last words are lasting words.” I realize that’s not always the case, but it is indeed accurate in many situations. The last verse in the book of Numbers seems to be one of those cases: “These are the commands and regulations that the Lord gave to the people of Israel through Moses while they were camped on the plains of Moab beside the Jordan River, across from Jericho” (Num 36:13).
We have seen throughout this book the repeated phrase of God’s leaders and His people doing just “as the Lord commanded.” Indeed, this phrase (or something similar) occurs 30 times in this book. From the recording of the troops’ names in Numbers 1 to the obedience of the daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 36, this book speaks of faithfulness. Now, in today’s reading, we are reminded again that it was the Lord who gave these commands and regulations to His people—and they were to obey Him as they made their way into the Promised Land. God had used Moses as His spokesman, but it was He whose word it was. At least for now, there was hope this generation would be faithful to God where the previous generation had failed.
Our responsibility today is no different: we are to heed the instruction of the Lord and follow Him completely. Only in obedience are we to walk with Him into the future.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What commands of the Lord are most difficult for you to follow?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “Father, You are faithful to me. Help me to be faithful to You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Deuteronomy 1:1-3:20